SOP ready for alcohol and drug de-addiction centres in Assam

 STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: The State government is coming out with an SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) for alcohol and drug de-addiction centres before Durga Puja in the state. The SOP so prepared has the approval of the Health Department and Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC), and it is waiting for approval from the Home Department.

The State Government felt the necessity of such an SOP after Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Pijush Hazarika found rampant irregularities during his visit to such centres in the state.

Speaking to The Sentinel on the proposed SOP, the State Anti-Drugs and Prohibition Council's vice chairman, Jitu Borgohain, said, "The state has around 300 registered rehabilitation centres, including around 90 in Guwahati. Though such centres follow some rules and regulations, they are not adequate for smooth running. And that necessitated the preparation of the SOP. Such centres can treat only drug and alcohol addiction, not any other diseases. However, drug and alcohol addicts who come to such centres often have other diseases like AIDS, Hepatitis B and C, etc. The proposed SOP doesn't allow addicts who have other diseases to be in such centres. They can come to such centres only after treatment and getting cured of their other diseases."

Borgohain also said, "Now on, a rehabilitation centre cannot keep more than two addicts in a room of 100 square feet, and not more than seven addicts should share a washroom. The person opening such a rehabilitation centre should have at least three years of experience in the field. The State Anti-Drugs and Prohibition Council, Assam, will be the approving authority for such centres".

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